Marlene Griffin is General Manager at SBG Cork, a forerunning MMA gym in Ireland, where the mixed martial arts community has implemented Safe MMA medical clearance as standard practice under the Irish Mixed Martial Arts Association (IMMAA). Marlene also holds the position of medical lead at IMMAA.

Safemma.org caught up with Marlene and asked her some questions about working with Safe MMA from a clubs perspective.

Q: How does SBG Cork work with Safe MMA as a club, and how does it tie in with event promoters?

MG: At SBG Cork, we work very closely with Safe MMA to guarantee the highest level of safety and medical care for our athletes, especially when preparing for events or competitions. All of our fighters are required to meet Safe MMA’s strict medical requirements before competing. This includes completing mandatory medical assessments such as blood tests, and pre-clearance with Safe MMA-approved doctors.

Once cleared, fighters are added to the Safe MMA database, which verifies their medical eligibility. This system gives both us as a club and the event promoters peace of mind, knowing that the athlete is fit, healthy, and safe to compete.

After fights, we continue to prioritise our fighters’ well-being by monitoring their health and strictly adhering to Safe MMA guidelines. If a fighter receives a medical suspension due to an injury, we ensure full compliance by working doctors for follow-up checks. Only after they’ve been medically cleared will we allow them to resume training or competing.

Our work with Safe MMA aligns perfectly with the promoters because it ensures all fighters are medically cleared and fit to compete. Promoters who work with Safe MMA require this level of medical compliance, and we make sure our athletes meet every standard well in advance of events.

By having our fighters on the Safe MMA database, it streamlines the process for promoters, they can quickly verify an athlete’s medical eligibility and focus on organising a safe and professional event.

Ultimately, working alongside Safe MMA and promoters creates a safer environment for everyone involved, fighters, clubs, and event organisers alike.

For us, safety is non-negotiable, and partnering with Safe MMA ensures our fighters can focus on performing at their best while knowing their health is our top priority.

Q. How does this improve athlete safety in MMA?

MG: Safe MMA significantly improves athlete safety by enforcing strict medical protocols, which identify and address potential health risks before fighters compete. For example, mandatory blood testing, eye exams, and pre-fight medical assessments help uncover any underlying issues that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Post-fight, Safe MMA’s system ensures fighters receive the appropriate follow-up care, including medical suspensions when necessary. This prevents athletes from returning to training or competing prematurely. By prioritising safety both before and after fights, Safe MMA ensures a healthier, safer environment for fighters, reducing long-term risks and helping safeguard their careers.

Q: What have been the specific benefits of working with a project such as Safe MMA?

MG: The biggest benefit of working with Safe MMA has been the structure and accountability it brings to athlete safety. Safe MMA provides a clear, standardised process that ensures all fighters are held to the same high medical standards.

This has helped us as a club by:

• Reducing the risk of preventable injuries or health issues.
• Ensuring fighters are physically ready for competition.
• Building trust with promoters, knowing our fighters meet all safety criteria.
• Giving athletes peace of mind, knowing their health is the top priority.
• Additionally, Safe MMA’s post-fight monitoring and medical suspension system ensures proper recovery, which is crucial for long-term athlete welfare.

Q: What have been the biggest challenges to implementing medical clearance and how have you tackled it?

MG: One of the biggest challenges has been managing the logistics and costs involved in obtaining medical clearances, especially for younger or newer fighters. The process can feel overwhelming for athletes, particularly with tight deadlines leading up to events.

To tackle this, we’ve taken a proactive approach by educating fighters early about what’s required and the importance of compliance, and by supporting athletes with clear timelines and reminders for completing their medicals.

We’ve also emphasised to our fighters and their families that the investment in medical clearance is an investment in their safety, longevity, and overall career in the sport.

Q: What changes have you seen in the athlete safety and governance landscape in Ireland over the last 10 years? What do you think has driven this and how has Safe MMA contributed?

MG: Over the last 10 years, we’ve seen a massive shift in how athlete safety is prioritised in Ireland. The introduction of strict medical requirements, better education around injury prevention, and improved governance for events has raised the bar across the board.

Key drivers for this change have been the growing professionalism of MMA as a sport and a collective recognition of the need to protect athletes, both short and long-term.

Safe MMA and IMMAA have played a pivotal role in this transformation by:

• Setting clear medical and safety standards for fighters.
• Holding athletes, coaches, and promoters accountable.
• Ensuring post-fight care and medical suspensions are enforced.
• Their work has helped shift the culture of MMA in Ireland towards a safer, more sustainable sport, which is now recognised for its professionalism and care for athletes.

Q: Anything else you’d like to add?

MG: I’d just like to emphasise how important projects like Safe MMA are to the growth and sustainability of our sport. By prioritising fighter safety, we not only protect the health and careers of our athletes but also build trust with fans, families, and the wider community.

At SBG Cork, we’re proud to work alongside Safe MMA and promoters who share this vision. It’s through collaboration and a continued focus on high standards that MMA will continue to thrive as a safe, respected, and professional sport. Plus, we absolutely love Yoni and we are very grateful for all the work the Safe MMA team does

Follow marlenegriffin_sbg_cork and sbgcork on Instagram

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